Extension applauds volunteers, staff at annual meeting
NORWICH – Staff members and volunteers of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County gathered at the organization’s 99 N. Broad St. location Wednesday for an annual meeting to honor volunteers and to highlight the year’s many successful programs.
The annual gala kicked-off with a meet and greet and was followed by a luncheon where members reflected on the organization’s progress over the course of the year. Special guest speaker New York State Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, who is also a former member and chair of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County Board, was in attendance to laud the extension and its state leadership role in agricultural education and the dairy industry.
During his time in the Assembly, Crouch has had a hand in improving farm viability and introducing legislation concerning agriculturalists statewide, including the state’s Farm Equipment Lemon Law, and flood relief for farmers both recently and in 2006.
“I’ve always enjoyed the extension,” Crouch told the group, recalling a long history with the Chenango County CCE and his experiences working with its affiliates. “I’ve been so proud and pleased to work with the extension and to bring a voice of agriculture to the New York Assembly.”
In the coming year, Crouch said CCE will continue to play a vital role in the direction of the ag industry, particularly dairy with its proposed dairy plan for New York State. Moreover, he said a big focus at the state level will be on education funding in local districts, which he said also plays a role in the involvement of youth in CCE programs like 4-H.
“One of the best things we can do, outside of money, is mandate relief,” he said, citing an anticipation that all school districts in the county will be classified as needy schools next year. “Things have gotten better in some areas, but we still have a long, long ways to go.”
The meeting was also an opportunity to welcome new CCE Board members Joe Cornell and Gale Hamstra, and say goodbye to departing board members Andrew Kross and Marilyn Carley, who have played a huge role in continuing the mission of CCE, said Executive Director Ken Smith. Extension volunteers were also paid homage for their dedication, many of whom have worked with CCE for several years, Smith added.
“Part of the reason we are still here is because we are county based and volunteer based, and the strength of the Cornell Cooperative Extension originates in those volunteers,” said Smith.
The event also recognized staff, program directors, CCE educators and growth in all CCE programs: 4-H; Community Garden and the Grow, Cook, Eat program; the new grazing program; and Eat Smart New York.
“Volunteers are great, but when they come together with an excellent staff, that’s when great things really happen,” said Smith.
The annual gala kicked-off with a meet and greet and was followed by a luncheon where members reflected on the organization’s progress over the course of the year. Special guest speaker New York State Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, who is also a former member and chair of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County Board, was in attendance to laud the extension and its state leadership role in agricultural education and the dairy industry.
During his time in the Assembly, Crouch has had a hand in improving farm viability and introducing legislation concerning agriculturalists statewide, including the state’s Farm Equipment Lemon Law, and flood relief for farmers both recently and in 2006.
“I’ve always enjoyed the extension,” Crouch told the group, recalling a long history with the Chenango County CCE and his experiences working with its affiliates. “I’ve been so proud and pleased to work with the extension and to bring a voice of agriculture to the New York Assembly.”
In the coming year, Crouch said CCE will continue to play a vital role in the direction of the ag industry, particularly dairy with its proposed dairy plan for New York State. Moreover, he said a big focus at the state level will be on education funding in local districts, which he said also plays a role in the involvement of youth in CCE programs like 4-H.
“One of the best things we can do, outside of money, is mandate relief,” he said, citing an anticipation that all school districts in the county will be classified as needy schools next year. “Things have gotten better in some areas, but we still have a long, long ways to go.”
The meeting was also an opportunity to welcome new CCE Board members Joe Cornell and Gale Hamstra, and say goodbye to departing board members Andrew Kross and Marilyn Carley, who have played a huge role in continuing the mission of CCE, said Executive Director Ken Smith. Extension volunteers were also paid homage for their dedication, many of whom have worked with CCE for several years, Smith added.
“Part of the reason we are still here is because we are county based and volunteer based, and the strength of the Cornell Cooperative Extension originates in those volunteers,” said Smith.
The event also recognized staff, program directors, CCE educators and growth in all CCE programs: 4-H; Community Garden and the Grow, Cook, Eat program; the new grazing program; and Eat Smart New York.
“Volunteers are great, but when they come together with an excellent staff, that’s when great things really happen,” said Smith.
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